CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – PORTAGE PARK LINCOLN PARK RAVENSWOOD LOOP OAK PARK

PORTAGE PARK

Alderman Tim Cullerton announced a new street resurfacing project on Irving Park Road between Austin and Neenah avenues. As part of the $600000 beautification project Central Avenue will also be resurfaced between Montrose and Higgins. The goal is to bring more foot traffic to the Irving Austin Business District by installing bigger sidewalks pedestrian-friendly crosswalks among other improvements. The hope is that the project will be begin before cold weather begins.

LINCOLN PARK

I like bubbles lots of them. I’m telling you about this now so you can be sure to get your tickets if you so desire. This week it was announced that the Binny’s in Lincoln Park will be hosting their Grand Champagne Tasting on December 4 from 5-8pm. Tickets are $50 with a Binny’s card and are available online. There will be Cava Prosecco and Champagne including some of the biggies. Don’t miss out!

LOOP

Time to dust off the ol’ Halloween costume as the Chicago Cultural Center hosts its Family Fun weekend. Midnight Circus will be there with their acrobats. There is going to be the annual Monster Bash on Saturday with trick-or-treating a costume contest and dancing. And new this year are the Ghost Tours through the halls of the Center’s enchanted building. And for good measure don’t miss the movie screenings of Gremlins and Frankenweenie.

RAVENSWOOD

Mud pit no more! McPherson Elementary students came to school on Monday to a brand new playground. Last Friday’s ribbon cutting brought in several local VIPs including Ald. Ameya Pawar and State Sen. Heather Steans. The playground includes slides a giant spider web and climbing mounds. The surface is made out of porous rubber that absorbs water. There is also a learning garden on the east side of the school. Each student was involved in planting 3000 perennials in the learning garden.

OAK PARK

Tickets may still be available for Open Door Repertory Co.’s Benefit Concert. This is a must see for any theater-goer. The benefit will feature local and national artists for a one-night-only performance. The best part is the tickets are only $30. Ashton Byrum who will be reprising his role from Cats with Gina Valentine joined the board of Open Door recently and has played a key role in bringing together the lineup. According to Byrum "Our lineup of talent is thrilled to be performing Saturday night to support this cause."

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Posted: Friday October 24 2014 7:21 AM by Dean’s Team